A LEAGUE ROUND 7 PREVIEW

It was a bald man on crutches who stole the show in Gosford, waddling his way across the field before security finally escorted him off the pitch. Good to see that he kept his gear on as the Wolf couldn’t handle a middle aged streaker in slow motion.

Punters should keep their eye on the futures market with two clear A-League Championship/Premiership front runners in the Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory.

The Glory at $4.00 to win the minor premiership is an excellent option because they have a strong home ground advantage and the Victory will have Asian Champions League games to play later in the season.

The Wolf picked 6/8 winners last weekend (75%) and takes a look at all the action from Round 7 of the A-League.

Multi: Sydney FC/Melbourne Victory/Newcastle Jets ($4.93)

MATCH/TIME (AEST)	A-LEAGUE BEST BETS
WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS v CENTRAL COAST MARINERS SPOTLESS STADIUM 7 DEC 0750PM	Western Sydney Wanderers ($1.62) Both teams to score – Yes ($1.64)
SYDNEY FC v WELLINGTON PHOENIX JUBILEE OVAL SAT 8 DEC 0535PM	Sydney FC ($1.34)
MELBOURNE VICTORY v ADELAIDE UNITED MARVEL STADIUM SAT 8 DEC 0750PM	Melbourne Victory ($1.84)
PERTH GLORY v MELBOURNE CITY NIB STADIUM SAT 8 DEC 1000PM	Perth Glory ($2.22)
NEWCASTLE JETS v BRISBANE ROAR NEWCASTLE INTERNATIONAL SPORTS CENTRE SUN 9 DEC 0500PM	Newcastle Jets ($2.00) Both teams to score – Yes

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (LWDLL) ($1.62) v CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (DLLLL) ($4.80)

Facing the Melbourne Victory ‘like hell’ for the hapless Wanderers

The Wanderers were completely outclassed in the first half against the Victory and whilst they improved after the main break, a 4-0 loss gives Markus Babbel plenty to think about. The German coach lamented that it was ‘boys against men’ at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night and Western Sydney will want to respond with a big performance against the Central Coast to get their season back on track.

If the Wanderers are going to win this game they need to offer Alex Baumjohann some support. He created some wonderful opportunities and brings Kamau and Riera into the game. Abraham Majok will need a map if he starts this week because he was absolutely lost against the Victory. Tarek Elrich should benefit from an easier Mariners attack, he was horribly exposed against a top quality Victory side.

The Mariners showed some positive signs against Sydney FC, opening the scoring through serial pest Matt Simon in the 16th minute before losing 1-2. The Wolf thinks the Wanderers will get the win.

BEST BETS: Western Sydney Wanderers ($1.62), Both teams to score – Yes ($1.64)

SYDNEY FC (LWDLW) ($1.34) v WELLINGTON PHOENIX (DLLLD) ($7.60)

“Everything goes against us because no wants us around” – Ruden unleashes at FFA

Wellington Phoenix manager Mark Rudan launched rockets after his side’s 1-1 draw with the Perth Glory, targeting the referee, VAR system and A-League bosses. The Phoenix just might give the Sky Blues a scare this week if they take that form across the ditch to Jubilee Oval.

Andrew Durante was superb in defence and played a real captain’s game that oozed patience and quality ball control. If the Phoenix are going to challenge Sydney FC in this match they will need Durante to play a big role, and alongside Steven Taylor they should be able to keep their opponents on a leash.

The Wolf thinks that if the Phoenix are feeling hard done by after last week they will come out and play with passion, keeping this game close but not enough to get the win. The Sky Blues are being overshadowed by the Victory and Glory at the moment but make no mistake they will be there come finals time.   

BEST BETS: Sydney FC ($1.34)